Feeding and catching device



1935. T. w. ALLSWORTH r 2,010,709

FEEDING AND GATCHING DEVICE Filed Dec. 22, 1932' '4 Sheets-Snap l ATTORNEYS g- 'r. w. ALLSWORTH El AL 2,010,709

FEEDING AND CATCHING DEVICE Fil ed Dec. 22, 1932 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 We 4/. 2222 552 BY Fad li /51% W A TTORNEYs Aug. 6, 1935. 'r. w. ALLSWORTH ET AL 2,010,709

I I FEEDING AND CATCHING DEVICE Filed Dec. 22, 1952 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVE mwuaala 2 .SM BY .m

ATTORNEY-9 TORS Y Aug. 6, 1935. n w. ALLSWORTH El AL 2,010,709 FEEDING AND CATCHING' DEVICE Filed Dec. 22, 1932 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 rmw mam m- 'BY 2:? am Wu]? ATTORNEYS Patented Aug, 8, 1935 rssnmc- AND oa'r'cnmo nnvrca Terrence W. Allaworth, Ernest G. Schlup, and Paul 1!. Long, Middlet'own, Ohio, auignors to The American Bolling Mill Company, Mid town, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application December 22,1932, Serial 1v. a4s,4'u

14 cum. (01. 80-47) Our invention relates to mechanical means for catching pieces or packs of metal as they are being rolled through a mill, and returning these pieces to be re-rolled. In the exemplary embodiment of our structure, which we shall describe herein, we have applied our invention to the socalled three-high mill, which is a mill having a small central working roll and a very much larger roll above and below it. Among other advantages of three-high mills, which do not need to be enumerated here, there is the advantage that the piece, pack, or sheet is rolled again during the return -pass. That is to say, a pack of metal mayibe sent through the mill in one direction between the lower roll and the middle roll and returned again through the mill in the opposite direction and between the middle roll and the upper roll, being twice reduced in this operation. It will be understood that our mechanism is applicable to other types of mills also, such, for example, as the two-high mill where it may be employed to return the piece over the working rolls. The three-high mill, however, not only requires a means for returning the piece to the original side of the mill, but also involves the special problem of returning the piece in proper feeding position to the rolls for rolling upon the return pass. It is an object of our invention, among others, to provide catching means which will receive a piece which has passed through the mill, in combination with feeding means which will probably feed it to the mill again upon the return pass. This is the reason why we have described our invention in connection with the three-high mill.

One object of our invention is to provide a mechanical catcher which engages the work piece and holds it firmly against shifting during.

the catching and feeding operation, so that it may be returned into the upper pass in the same relation to the rolls as it was received from the lower pass.

It is-still another object of our invention to provide a catching and returning or feeding device which will be automatic in operation.

It is still another object of our invention to provide in connectionwith a catching and feeding device, means whereby the feeding or return of the piece may be inhibited when desired. Other objects of our invention have to do with automatic means for controlling the catching and return of the piece either through a predetermined cycle of individual passes, or, where this is not desired, through a cycle which is determined by the lQilgth of the piece being rolled.

These and other objects of our invention which will be set forth hereinafter or will be apparent to one skilled in the art upon reading this specification, we accomplish by that certain construction and arrangement of parts of which we shall now describe the aforesaid exemplary embodiment, it being understood that modifications may be made in our device without departing from the spirit thereof, and that our invention may be usefully employed in environments other than the one specifically described herein. Reference is now made to the drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a plan view of an exemplary catching and feeding device embodying our invention.

Figure 2 is a side elevation thereof.

Figure 3 is a view of a type of ratchet switch controlling mechanism which we may employ.

Figure 4 is a circuit diagram having to do with the automatic operation of our device in accordance with the attainment of a predetermined desired length in the piece or pack.

Figure 5 is a diagrammatic view of a circuit controlling mechanism employed in connection with our tilting table.

Figure 6 is a semi-diagrammatic view of an apparatus employed to measure the length of the piece or pack being rolled.

Figure 7 is a circuit diagram embodying an arrangement for the automatic actuation of our device in accordance with a cycle comprising a predetermined number of rolling passes.

Figure 8 shows diagrammatically an alternative form of an electric ratchet switch adapted automatically to control the operation of the catcher.

In order that our invention may be more clearlyunderstood, we turn first to a consideration of certain of the general desiderata of a device for the successful automatic catching and feeding of pieces being rolled on the three-high mill. Since the necessary operation includes feeding as well as catching, we provide receiving and feeding means in the nature of a driver conveyor. Since the feeding position is different from the receiving position (this will be readily understood when it is recalled that the mill continuously turns in the same direction, and that a piece may therefore be passed through the mill between the lower and middle rolls and returned through the mill between the upper and middle rolls), it is necessary that the conveyor which forms the feeding and catching device be tiltable to the several desired positions. Thus, we provide a tilting framework in which the actual receiving and feeding devices are mounted. We provide power means for driving the conveyor, and we likewise provide power means for tilting the framework. since the direction of receiving is opposite to that of feeding, we provide means for reversing the direction of travel of the conveyor mechanism. Since all of the several operations hereinabove referred to must bear a certain sequential relationship, and since it isboth expensive and inconvenientto control these several operations by hand, we provide automatic means for maintaining such a sequence.

With a three-high mill one of our feeding and catching devices may be used upon either side; the operation is essentially the same, excepting that, of course, a. device upon one side of the mill will feed in the lower position and receive in the upper position, while the device upon the other side of the mill will receive in the lower position and feed in the upper position. The simultaneous actuation of two such devices would be uncertain and difiicult if attempted by hand, and consequently we provide automatic means for the purpose. But since external conditions may vary, such as the length of the pieces being rolled, it becomes of importance to control the sequence, not in accordance with fixed speeds or fixed time intervals, but rather in accordance with the particular conditions of the rolling, and more especially in accordance with the characteristics of the piece being rolled. Therefore, we provide means actuated'by the piece itself for controlling the movements of the individual catching and feeding devices. It thus becomes possible to drive the mill at a constant speed, and let each catching and feeding device take care of itself in accordance with the exigencies of any given rolling operation.

A rolling operation of this character is essentially a discontinuous operation. Individual pieces are not rolled once and then passed on. On the contrary, they are rolled and re-rolled until they have been given a desired reduction. The extent of the rolling may be ascertained either by a measurement of the length of the piece, or, where the control of the mills has been careful, by a consideration of the number of passes given the piece. Therefore we provide means for interrupting the cycle in accordance with either of these considerations. An interruption of the cycle may be thought of as a situation in which the piece, after having been received by a catching and feeding device, is not fed back to the mill but on the contrary, is passed on through the catching device to a stack, pile, conveyor, or the like. In one aspect of our invention, then, we provide means whereby the operator controlling the mill may determine in advance upon a certain number of passes to be given the piece, and may set the apparatus so that when these passes have been accomplished the piece will be delivered. For this purpose we provide a ratchet controlling mechanism adapted to pass through a series of stages to reach and actuate a limit switch, or other controlling device. Since the tiltings of the frame aforesaid bear a definite relationship to the number of passes of the piece through the mill, our ratchet controller may be actuated by the tilting of the table.

In another aspect of our invention, we provide controlling means which are actuated by a piece being rolled, and which vary in their action in accordance with the length of said piece. To this end we provide a switch or other controller, moving means to actuate the switch, and driving means for the moving means which are effective in accordance with the length of the piece.

Again,

With this explanation, we pass to a description of our mechanism and refer to Figs. 1 and 2.

A three-high rolling mill is shown as having an upper roll 0, a smaller middle roll Ill, and a lower roll H2. If our device as hereinafter to be described is employed upon the catching side, the work piece or pack may be thought of as going through the mill in the direction of the arrow. In other words, it is given a pass through the mill between the lower roll and the middle roll, and then is returned through the mill between the middle roll and the upper roll. Our catching and feeding device is arranged to receive it as it comes through the lower pass, grip it so that the elements of the pack are not re-arranged, and, tilting upwardly, to return it through the upper pass. A similar device may be employed by us upon the entering side of the mill, as will be readily understood.

Upon a suitable foundation or framework 33 we mount pivoting means 34 for another framework 35, which we will hereinafter refer to as a table. The table has a. bracket or bearing member 36, and the members 34 and 36 are connected by a shaft 31, or other pivoting member in such a way that the table may tilt with respect to the base so as to come either into receiving position for the lower pass, or delivering position for the upper pass. The exact place at which the table 35 is pivoted is relatively unimportant. We have shown it pivoted intermediate its ends, but it may be pivoted at other points. In order that the table may be tilted we provide a motor 38 upon the foundation with a standard motor brake 380. (Fig. 1). This motor drives a gear box 39, or other speed reducer or transmission mechanism which is operatively connected with the table. In the embodiment shown a driven shaft 40 is provided with a lever arm 4 I, which is connected to the rear end of the tableby a link 42.

A forward sheave 43 and a rear sheave 44 are provided on the table to take care of a lower chain conveyor indicated broadly at 45. One of the sheaves may have tension take-up mechanism indicated broadly at 46 for the purpose of tensioning the conveyor chain. The conveyor comprises preferably links 41 joined together to form an endless chain, the links bearing gripping members 48. A rail 49 is held in raised position upon the table 35 so that it supports the links 47 in a rectilinear path; and the links may conveniently be provided with anti-friction rollers, or the like, adapted to ride upon the rail. As many of the chains 45 may be employed in this particular conveyor as desired, the chains being arranged parallel to each other.

A bracket 50, attached to the table, supports an upper framework indicated generally at 5|. Mounted in ways 54a and 55a toward the ends of this framework are horizontally and vertically adjustable bearing blocks 54 and 55 which support the shafts of a forward sheave 56 and a rear sheave 51. These sheaves likewise support an upper chain conveyor indicated broadly at 58, and comprising also links 59 similar to the links of the lower conveyor, and likewise provided with bearing or gripping surfaces 60. The upper framework bears a rail 6|, upon which the chain elements of the upper conveyor may ride, and it will be clear first that the disposition of the conveyor chains in the active portion is determined by the rails 6i and 49, and second that the upper conveyor is resiliently mounted with respect to the lower conveyor. Thus a work piece or a multiple sheet pack received between the conveyors is held thereby, and any tendency of the pack components to become disarranged is eliminated on material which is greatly elongated; if there is any non-uniformity .of the component parts thereof supplied to the mill, there may be a tendency for one sheet to leave its proper location in the pack. To correct this difficulty in rolling such material, we have found it desirable to reduce the clamping force between the chain to that point where the sheets can be forced, without injury thereto, into the proper relation one to the other before the return pass through the mill. This is accomplished by a side guide 24 actuated in an inandout position by threaded shafts 25 and 25a suitably connected together by bevel gears 28, 26a

shaft 21b, bevel gears 21, 21a or the like. Mounted upon the opposite side of the catcher from the movable side guide 24 are side guides 20 and 28 mounted on solenoid plunge'rs 30 and 3| respectively. These plungersare actuated by solenoid mechanisms indicated generally at 52 and 52, which mechanisms are connected with portions of the threaded shafts 25 and 25a having a thread ofopposite hand to the portions thereof which engages the guide 24. Thus by turning the crank 32 the side guide 24 and the side guides 28 and 29 are moved simultaneously together or apart as desired: but the guides 28 and 29 are additionally movable by their respective solenoid mechanisms.

The solenoids 52 and 53 are connected in the tilting motor circuitan'd are energized only when the tilting motor is energized. Hence when the pack or work piece is in the catcher and free of the mill, the solenoids push the side guides 28 and 29 with sufficient force to position the component parts of the pack. It is understood that when the tilting motor circuit is broken the solenoids will return to the spread position, allowing delivery of the pack.

Located in the path of a sheet or pack passing between the conveyors, are flag switch mechanisms i and 2. These may be operatively connected to limit switches in anyway desired. We have shown them as attached to cams Ia and 24: operating, respectively, bell cranks lb,

and 2b. A rod I is shown as connecting the bell crank lb with a switch mechanism Id.

However, instead of the flag switch mechanisms l and 2 set on shafts far enough apart to give one switch time to operate with the arrival or passing of the sheet or pack before the other switch resets the mechanism, we can use a latching relay system. By the use of the latched relays, a reset trigger is not necessary because when the contacts of the relay are closed, the relay remains engaged until released by an auxiliary solenoid energized at any desired time by some succeeding operation. We describe in' the following specification the two trigger system, securing the necessary time for electrical operation by spacing the shafts sufficient distance apart; but the wiring diagram shown in Figs. 4' and '7 illustrate the latched relay system wherein contact is .held by the latch until such time as in the cycle of operation, it is desired to break the contact. In the latched relay system, when the unlocking coil is energized, the relay automatically returns to the starting position.

We provide driving means for the conveyors which may comprise a motor 63, driving a gear Bl. Upon the shaft of this gear is fixed a sprocket 62, which by means of a chain 65, or the like, drives another sprocket 62a upon the shaft 66, upon which are mounted supplementary sprockets 56a and 66b for driving the lower conveyor. The upper conveyor may also be positlvely driven if desired.

. Our invention contemplates not only the provision of controlling means which may be set to provide for any desired number of passes (which will be described hereinafter), but it also contemplates the provision of means for measuring the length of a piece or pack being rolled and delivering said piece or pack after it has attained a desired length. It should first be explained that in the operation of our machine a piece or pack coming through the lower pass of the mill in the direction of the arrow is received and gripped between the conveyor chains 45 and 58, the motion of these chains being continued until the piece is free of the mill. .Then by a series of automatic operations the conveyors are stopped, the table tilted until the conveyors are in a position to deliver the piece to the upper or returning pass, whereupon the conveyors are again started, but this time in the reverse direction, feeding the piece between the middle and upper rolls of the mill. When it is desired to deliver a piece rather than to reroll it, the receiving conveyors continue in their forward or receiving motion until the piece has passed entirely through our device'and is placed upon a delivery or runout table not shown. Consequently delivery means include automatic means for inhibiting that series of operations occurring immediately after the receiving operations,

namely the stopping of the conveyors, the tilting of the table, and the reverse movement of the conveyors. It also comprises automatic means for continuing the forward operation of the conveyors to the point. of delivering the piece to the run-out table as aforesaid. Delivery may be accomplished in our device (a) by a manual control, (b) by automatic control based upon a desired number of passes through the mill, or (c) by automatic control based upon the lengths which the piece has attained as received by our catching and feeding device.

To the end of providing for this last type of control, we provide means actuated by the sheet or pack itself in proportion-to-the length of such sheet or pack.

Upon the end of the shaft 66, by means of which the lower conveyor is driven, we place a gear 61 (Fig. l) meshing with a gear 68 upon a shaft 69. This shaft has an extension 10, to which it is operatively connected through a magnetic clutch ll Upon the frame of our device we mount a member 12, (Fig. 2), which may be provided with appropriate graduations representing lengths of sheet or pack. Vertically slidable upon this member we mount a stop 13, which may be adjusted along the scale aforesaid by ascrew 14, provided with a hand wheel 15. We mount a limit switch 16 upon a member"; (Fig. 6) which is a rack provided with teeth, and which is vertically slidable upon the frame in a member 19. A gear 80 is mounted upon the shaft 10, (Fig. 1) so as to. mesh with the teeth of the member 18. As this member rises, bearing with it the limit switch 16, the operating arm 11 thereof is adapted to be tripped by the bracket or stop I3 at a desired position.

It will now be clear that if the sheet or pack as received by our device is caused to actuate a trigger I which closes switch J, (Fig. l) which energizes coil Z of magnetic clutch H, the gear 80 will be operatively connectedwith the driving mechanism of the conveyor and will cause the member I8 bearing the limit switch IE to move vertically as long as power is applied to clutch "II. It will be further clear that if coil Z of magnetic clutch II is de-energized as soon as the rear end of the sheet or pack has passed the trigger I, the vertical distance through which member 18 is moved will bear a fixed relationship to the length of the sheet or pack. As soon as coil Z of magnetic clutch II is de-energized, then the member I8 will return to the starting position under the influence of gravity. Should the piece be long enough, however, the member I8 bearing the limit switch 16 will move vertically a distance sufficient to cause said limit to be tripped by the stop mechanism I3. If the limit switch I6 is then connected so as to control the delivery operation, the piece or pack will be delivered from our feeder and catcher table instead of being returned to the mi For the control of our device in accordance with a given number of passes, or the like, we provide a controlling mechanism such as that shown in Fig. 3. Here a segment plate I4 is provided with a series of ratchet teeth I la. A rod ID is slidable in a frame or bracket member II, and is operatively attached to the table frame of our catcher and feeder table, or is arranged to be moved in a vertical upward direction by the action of a solenoid 20 which may be energized by the action of trigger switch I as hereinafter will be explained in detail, or maybe otherwise connected so as to move in accordance with the movement of the table.

A main pawl I2 is pivoted to this rod as at' I3, and engages the teeth Ma of the segment plate I4. A second or holding pawl I1 is pivoted as at I8 to a member I8a on the bracket II. A rod I5 has operative connections to the ends of both pawl members as shown, and is arranged to be actuated by a solenoid I6. It will be clear that when solenoid I6 is energized and the rod I5 moved to the right, both pawls will be disengaged from the ratchet teeth Ma. When this occurs a spring I9 is arranged to bring the segment plate I4 back to the starting position. A plurality of switches h, 3, 5, I, 9 are provided to be actuated by the segment plate I4 in selected positions. Each tilting of the table or each energizing of solenoid 20 will cause a movement of the segment plate Id of one notch. To move segment plate I4 from position h to position 3 (Fig. 3) a movement of two notches has to be made thus making it clear that two tilting motions are required before switch 3 opens its contact. These circuits can be so arranged with respect to a selected switch that when the segment plate engages it, the tilting of the table upon the receiving preceding pass will be inhibited and the conveyor will pass the piece through our device to the delivery table.

In the general operation of our device, the feeder and catcher table chains 58 and are driven in receiving position by the motor 63, which may be started either by an operator, or by an automatic starting device. The chains continue to run in a forward or receiving direction until the rear end of the sheet or pack clears trigger I. Thereupon the chains stop, the catcher table tilts into discharge position, the chains start in a reverse direction, and the sheet or the pack returns thru the mill. As the now rear end of the sheet or pack clears trigger I, the chains stop, the catcher table returns to the lower or starting position, and the chains may be either started in forward direction ready to again re- -out speed changing devices.

ceive a pack or sheet by an automatic device or by the operator.

The nature of the devices provided for length control or pass control will be clear from the ex planation herein above. We append a descrip tion of the circuit diagrams in the drawings which will make the action thereof somewhat clearer. Instead of the triggers I and 2, other mechanisms actuated by the sheet or pack may be employed, such as pinch rolls, rotary type trigger switches, a photo-electric celldeviceand the like, or a flag switch, Fig. 8, the form of which will 'be described later. For driving our mechanism we may use either a'two speed alternating current motor, or a constant speed alternating current motor with suitable speed characteristics, or a variable speed direct current motor, with or with- We may also employ a constant speed motor with a speed changing device, and instead of starting and stopping the motor, the driving connections between the constantly running motor and'the conveyor devices may be made or broken by means of suitable clutches. 5

Reference is now made to the circuit diagrams in which Figures 4 and 5 pertain to the length control mechanism which has been described in connection with Figures 1 and 2. This mechanism itself is diagrammatically illustrated in Fig. 6, which makes the operation thereof somewhat clearer. Figs. 3 and 7 pertain to the pass control mechanism.

Fig. 5 shows a cam development of the cam type switch 2| which is connected to the slow speed shaft of the speed reducer 39 of the tilting motor 38. Note that the various heavy lines numbered a, b, c, d, e, f, and g denote the sequence of opening and closing of the switches numbered a, b, c, d, e, f, and g (Figs. 4 and 7). Switch 9 is used for pass control only in Fig. 7.

With respect to pass control, we give a typical wiring diagram pertaining to the three pass rolling of a pack. (Fig. 7).

The operator pushes a button 3' to open a circuit which is in parallel with switch 3. This selects the number of passes, and it will be ob vious that for other numbers of passes another of the switches 3' to 9 will be employed. The switch J actuated by switch mechanism Id controls the circuit for the forward travel of the conveyor chains only, and closes only when the sheet or pack knocks the trigger I in the forward direction, but the starting mechanism can be controlled by a foot switch X or by a clock (not shown) actuated switch Y, both of which are in parallel with the switch J. The switch K which is also actuated by switch mechanism Id closes only when the sheet or pack knocks trigger I in the reverse direction. A double throw switch is shown at L which is also actuated by the switch mechanism Id. With the trigger in the vertical or neutral position a circuit L L' is made and the circuit LL" is only made when the sheet or pack knocks the trigger I in the forward direction. Another similar switch is shown at M which is also actuated by switch mechanism Id. With the trigger I in the vertical or neutral position a circuit M-M' is made and when the trigger I is actuated by the sheet or the pack in either the forward or the reverse direction (which is accomplished by the double cam on the trigger shaft as hereinabove described) the circuit M- is made.

A circuit through the switch a is closed when the table is in the lowermost position, Figs. 5

and 7. The switch b closes as soon as there is any appreciable tilting of the table from the lower or receiving position and it remains closed until the table is in the top or delivery position. A switch is arranged to be closed for an instant when the table passes a mid-position, traveling in either direction, Switches d and e, are arranged so as to be closed for an instant Just before the-table reaches its top position. These switches consequently open an instant before the switch b opens. A switch 1 is arranged so as to work oppositely to the switch b. Therefore this switch closes as soon as there is any appreciable lowering of the table and remains closed until the table attains its lowermost or receiving position.

The switch 9 is closed in the upper position of the table, and is used only in pass control. This switch opens upon movement of the table in the downward direction. In order to prevent the chattering of the contactors it is necessary that the circuit controlled by switch a remain closed until after the table has. tilted a definite amount. This amount may be regulated by the position of the cam on the cam type switch 2|. The chattering of the contactors can be caused by simultaneously opening of the switch 3 and closing of the contacts W of the relay W.

When the contactor coil N is energized, which occurs when any of the switches X, Y or J are closed, the forward contactor N' of the conveyor motor circuit and the auxiliary switch N" are closed. Similarly when'the coil O-is energized when the switch K closes, the reverse contactor O of the conveyor motor circuit and the auxiliary switch 0" are closed. When the coil P is energized the contactor P of the tilting motor'circuit is closed. Q represents the coil of the contactor Q which energizes the solenoid 20, Q" is an auxiliary switch of Q and is closed when contactor Q is closed. R is the coil of the contactor R which energizes the solenoid l6, (Fig. 3 and 7) S, T, U and V are latching relays, the action of which will be hereinafter described. W is a double acting relay actuated in one direction by current through the coil thereof, and in the other direction by a spring, by gravity, or the like. X represents a foot switch for the operator. Y is a switch of a timer (not shown) which, if desired, may be used in place of the foot switch X. It may be thought of as a switch controlled by a, clock or other automatic device. 8 is an emergency push button. 22 and 23 (Fig. 4) are contacts of limit switch 16 whereby 22 is a normally closed contact and 23 is a normally open contact. 4 and 6 represent the contacts of overload protection relays in conveyor chain motor circuit and inthe tilting motor circuit respectively.

An outline of operation may be given as follows: (This is fora 1 trigger arrangement).

The roller closes the foot switch X (Fig. 7) or the timer closes the switch Y as desired. The contactor coil N is energized closing the switch N, and the auxiliary switch N". The coil S' of the latching relay S is also energized. After this is accomplished the switch X or Y immediately opens, but the contactor coil N remains energized through the closing of the contact of the latching relay S and through the auxiliary N". The circuit is completed through the switches 4, 6, and 8. The conveyors run forward and the pack is delivered through the mill. When the front end of the sheet or pack hits the trigger I, the switch J closes, one

contact of this switch establishes a parallel circuit through the contactor coil N and the other contact ofthe switch J establishes a circuit thereby opening the contacts of the relay S and 7 opening the holding circuit through the contactor coil N. The coil N remains energized through the switch J.

The switch M is also actuated by the trigger I which was actuated upon by' the front end of the sheet or pack and the circuit MM" is thereby established. This energizes the coil V' of the latching relay V closing its contacts; but no closed circuit is established as yet, since the switch M--M is open at this time.

The trigger I also actuates the switch L and the circuit L- was established but no current as yet flows through this circuit because the contact W of the relay W is still open.

,After the sequence of the above operations, the sheet or pack passes and clears the trigger l which swings back into the vertical position thereby opening switch J which de-energizes the contactor coil N and the table motor stops; The same trigger action also breaks the circuit M-M" and closes the circuit M--M' thereby establishing a circuit 'through the switches 35-|9 M--M and' through the contact of the relay V energizing the tilting motor 38 and the contactor Q closes also energizing solenoid 20 which throws the ratchet segment i4 one notch. The auxiliary switch Q" has been closed. The same trigger action also breaks the circuit no closed circuit established as yet.

As the table starts to tilt, the cam type switch 2i, which is secured to the slow speed shaft of the speed reducer 39 of the tilting motor 38, starts to rotate. When switch a of this cam type switch opens the switch b closes, establishing a parallel circuit through the contactor coil P. Then the switch 0 closes thereby energizing the coil V of the latching relay V, which unlatches 4 its plunger, breaking the contacts of the relay V. The contactor .coil P is still energized, but the contactor coil Q is de-energized. By the continued rotation of the cam type switch 2|, the switch 0 opens again. Next the switches d and e close. The switch it energizes the reverse contactor coil 0 of the chain motor 83, which closes the contactor O and the auxiliary switch 0" thereby starting the conveyor chains in the reverse direction. The switch e energizes the coil T of the latching relay T which closes the contacts thereof, establishing a parallel holding circuit through the contactor coil 0. The continued rotation of the cam switch 2i, in synchronizing with the tilting table, opens the switches d and e just before the table reaches its top position, the switch b opens as the table arrives in its top position. This de-energizes the contactor coil P opening the contactor P thereby stopping the table tilting motor 38. (Note that the pack has been delivered past the trigger i before the table tilted; and that the conveyor chains have been reversed from this position.) The sheet or pack (now) front end strikes the trigger l which actuates the limit switch mechanism Id which closes the switch K. One contact of this switch establishes a parallel circuit through the contactor coil 0, the other contact of the switch K energizes the coil T of the latching relay T, unlatching the plunger of the L---L and closes the circuit L-L but there is same, and the contacts of the relay T open thereby, breaking the holding circuit of the contactor coil 0. The same trigger action closes the switch MM" thereby energizing the coil V of the latching relay V and thus closing the contacts of the relay V.

As (now) rear end of the sheet or pack traveling in the reverse direction passes and clears the trigger I, the switch K opens, thereby de-energizing the contactor coil 0. The contactor O and the auxiliary switch 0" opens, which stops the table motor 63. The same trigger action closes the switch M-M', establishing a circuit thru the contactor coil P and Q. The contactor P closes thereby energizing the tilting motor 38 and the table tilts downwardly. The contacting Q and the, auxiliary switch Q" closes thereby energizing the solenoid 20 which throws the ratchet segment M one notch. The switch 3 is thereby actuated, opening its contact and the button 3' being open, the circuit to the switch M is opened. The contactor coil Q remains energized thru the switch g keeping the contactor Q closed and the solenoid 20 remains energized.

By the opening of the switch 3, relay coil W is de-energized thereby opening the contact W" and closing the contact W. In the meantime, the cam switch 2!! was turning thereby closing the switch 1 and opening the switch 9. The closing of the switch 1 established a parallel circuit through the contactor coil P. The opening of the switch g broke the parallel circuit through the contactor coil Q. As the table continues its downward tilt, the switch C of the cam switch 2! closes, thereby energizing the coil V" of the latching relay V, unlatching its plunger and opening the contacts of the relay V. The contactor coil Q is de-energized and the contactor Q and the auxiliary switch Q" opens, thereby de-energizing the solenoid 20. The switch 3 remains open. When the table reaches the bottom posi tion the switch 1 opens, thereby de-energizing the contactor coil P; and the contactor P opens and stops the tilting motor 38.

Note that the sheet or pack is now on the roller side of the mill and that the conveyor chains are not running. This is done if it is desired for rolling purposes to inspect the sheet or pack after every two passes. If we have a catcher and tilting table on the rollers side and if no inspection is desired then we may automatically start the chain conveyor in the forward travel by the limit switch action properly timed with the tilting table on the rollers side.

The cycle of the last pass is completed as follows:

The foot switch X is closed energizing the contactor coil N and closing the contactor N and auxiliary switch N", also energizing the coil S of the latching relay S, thereby closing its contact. The front end of the sheet or pack hits the trigger l closing the switch J, as described for the previous forward pass, but now the switch J cannot energize the coil S" of the latching relay S because the contact W" of the relay W is open. The same trigger action closes the switch L-L" which energizes the coil U of the latching relay U but there is no closed circuit through the contactor coil R established as yet, because the switch L-L is now open. Note that with the switch 3 and 3' open, the circuit to the tilting motor contactor coil P is blocked, thereby preventing the tilting of the catcher table on the last pass. As the rear end of the sheet or pack passes and clears the trigger I, the

switch L- opens and the switch L--L' thereby energizing the contactor coil R. contactor R and the auxiliary switchR" energizing the solenoid I6 thereby unlatching the segment plate M letting the same return to the starting position. The switch 3 now closes again energizing the relay coil W, the contact W there- 01 opens and the contact W" thereof closes. The contactor coil N is still energized and the conveyor chains continue to run in the forward direction. When the segment plate i4 reaches the bottom position the switch h is actuated, closing its contact. This energizes the coil U" of the latching relay U and the contacts of relay U open. The contactor coil R is de-energized and the contactor R and the auxiliary switch R" open. The solenoid I 6 is thereby de-energized and the pawls l2 and H again engage with the ratchet teeth I to. The cycle of operation is now ready to be repeated for the next oncoming sheet or pack. For 5, l or 9 passes, the push button for the number of passes desired is opened and the ratchet mechanism will actuate the corresponding switch thereon.

In the operation of the length control for our device, the sequence thereof is as follows (Figs. 4 and 5).

The roller closes the foot switch X or the timer closes the switch Y as desired. The contactor coil N is energized closing the contactor N the auxiliary switch N". The coil V of latching relay S is also energized. This accomplished, the switch X or Y immediately opens, but the contactor coil N remains energized through the closing of the contact of the latching relay S and through the auxiliary switch N". The circuit is completed through the switches l, 6, and 8. The conveyor chain runs forward and the pack is delivered through the mill. When the front end of the sheet or pack hits the trigger i, the switch J closes, one contact of this switch establishes a parallel circuit through the contactor coil N, and the other contact of the switch J energizes the coil Z of the magnetic clutch H. The switch M is also actuated by the trigger i, which was actuated by the front end of the sheet or pack and the circuit M-M" is thereby established. This energizes the coil V of the latching relay V which closes its contact, but no closed circuit is established as yet, since the switch MM' is open at this moment.

After the sequence of the above operations, the sheet or pack passes and clears the trigger i which swings back into the vertical position thereby opening the switch J which de-energizes the contactor coil N and the table motor stops. The coil Z of the clutch H is also de-energized. The same trigger action also breaks the circuit lVi"- and closes the circuit MM' which establishes a circuit through the contact 22 of the switch 16, and through the contact of the relay V energizes the contactor coil P. The contactor P closes, energizing the tilting motor 38. When the table starts to tilt, the cam type switch H, which is secured to the slow speed shaft of the speed reducer 39 of the tilting motor 38, starts to rotate. The switch a of this cam type switch opens, the switch b closes establishing a parallel circuit through contactor coil P. Next the switch C closes thereby energizing the coil V" of the latching relay V, which unlatches its plunger, breaking the contact of the relay V. By the continued rotation of the cam switch 2|, the switch C opens again. Next the switches d closes, The

and

close,

and e close. The switch it energizes the reverse contactor coil of the chain motor 88, which closes the contactor 0' and the auxiliary switch 0" thereby starting the conveyor chains in the cult through the contactor coil 0. The continued rotation of the cam switch 2| in synchronizing with the tilting table opens the switches cl and e just before the table reaches its top position, the switch I) opens as it arrives at its top position. This de-ene'rgi'zes the contactor coil P opening the contactor P thereby stopping the tilting motor 88.

The present front end of. the sheet or pack strikes the trigger I which actuates the limit switch mechanism Id, which closes the switch K.

. One contact of the switch K establishes a parallel circuit through the contactor coil 0, the other contact of the switch K energizes the coil T" of the latching relay T, unlatching its plunger and the contact of the relay T opens, thereby breaking the holding circuit of the contactor coil 0. The same trigger action closes the switch M-M" energizing the coil V' of the latching relay V, thereby closing the contact of the relay V. As the rear end of the sheet or pack travelling in the reverse direction passes and clears the trigger I, the switch K opens, thereby de-energizing the contactor coil 0. The contactor O and the auxiliary switch 0" open. which stops the table motor 63. The same trigger action closes the switch M--M' establishing a circuit through the contactor coil P. The contactor P energizes the tilting motor 38 and the table tilts downwardly. The switch F closes, establishing a parallel circuit through the contactor coil P. As the table continues its downward tilt, the switch C closes, thereby energizing the coil V" ofthe latching relay V, unlatching its plunger and opening the contact of the relay V. When the table reaches the bottom position, the switch F opens, thereby tie-energizing the contactor coil P; and the contactor P opens which stops the tilting motor 38. The sheet or pack is now on the rollers side of the mill and is ready for the next pass.

When the front end 0! the sheet or pack in the forward travel actuates the trigger I thereby closing the switch J, the coil Z of the magnetic clutch is energized. As heretofore described in detail the limit switch I6 is actuated. Ii. this limit switch 16 is tripped before the end oi the sheet or pack clears the trigger I the following switching operations will take place. The contact 22 of the limit switch I8 opens, thereby opening the circuit to the switch M and thereby blocking the circuit to the contactor coil P and the tilting motor 38 is prevented from; tilting the table. The contact 23 of the limit switch I6 closes, thereby establishing a parallel circuit through the contactor coil N, which keeps themotor 68 running in the forward direction.

When the rear end of the sheet or pack passes and clears the trigger I, the switch J opens thereby de-energizing.the coil Z of the magnetic J clutch II and the limit switch 18 will move back into the starting position as heretofore described in detail. Note that the limit switch I8 is of the stay put type switch. When the limit switch I8 reaches the starting position the contact 22 thereof will close again and the contact 23 will open again. The contactor coil N is still energized, and the motor 88 still being energized, will keep the conveyor chain running in the forward direction. The table is ready to receive the next oncoming sheet or pack.

In place of the trigger heretofore described, a flag switch may be used for controlling the table and the number of passes to be made. alternative device is described as follows, reference being made to Fig. 8.

An electric ratchet switch 82 provided with a double flag 88 and 88 may be arranged in a. manner within the catcher and adjacent the rolling mill, such that it will not participate in the tilting movement of the table, but will present the flag 88 in the path of a work piece coming from the lower pass of the three high mill; and after the upward tilting of the table, will present the other flag 84 in the path of the work piece as it is returned to the upper pas of the mill.

The construction of the ratchet switch is diagrammatically illustrated in Figure 8. It is evident that in three-high mill operation the finished pieces will leave the mill after an uneven number of passes because it is desirable to deliver the finished sheet at the opposite side from which the piece enters the mill for the first pass. For.

this reason provision is made in the illustrated ratchet switch to prevent the re-entrance o! the piece into the upper pass after it is finished.

We have illustrated in Figure 8, diagrammatically, a switching arrangement which maybe used in connection with the flags 83 and 88. The flags may be mounted upon the shaft 85. to one end of which is attached an operating lever 88 hearing apawl 81.. This pawl actuates a ratchet wheel 88 to which is attached an arm 88 bearing a contact. Cooperating contact members 88 are arranged so as to lie in the path of the contact of the arm 88, and these contacts and the arm are connected to the table tipping mechanism. The contacts are so arranged that one rocking and return of the flag bearing member will tip the table one way, while the next rocking and return will tip the table the other way, and so that the contacts are made and broken upon the return'stroke oi the flags. A holding pawl 8| is arranged upon the wheel 88 inknown manner.

Elsewhere upon the shaft 85 we may arrange another ratchet mechanism for pass control. This may consist 01' an arm 82 having ratchet teeth 83 engaged by a pawl 84. This pawl is mounted upon an arm 85 non-rotatably attached to the shaft 85. A pawl 84 is held against the ratchet teeth by a spring 88 engaging an abutment 81. A second set of ratchet teeth 88 may be provided, engaged by a pawl 88 mounted as at I88 upon a support, not shown. A rod IN is mounted through the support 81 and bears an armature I82 whereby it may be actuated by a solenoid I88. A rod MI is connected with the pawl 88 by a pin I84 which rides in a slot I85. This arrangement permits the motion of the pawl transverse to the rod I M. A connection I86 operatively joins the rod I88 to the pawl 88. It will be obvious that if the solenoid I88 is energized both pawls will be simultaneously released. Thereupon a spring I81 will return an arm 82 to the position shown in the drawings. The arm 82 bears a contact member I88 and a plurality of contacts I88 are provided. The rocking motion of the shaft 85 as the flags 88 and 88 areengaged .92 will fly back to starting position. Any of the contacts I09, such as the contact 10911, may be chosen as representing the number of passes desired. Thiscontact and the arm 92 will then be located in a circuit for the main power line, which circuit will keep the conveyor going. It will also be located in a circuit controlling the table tipping mechanism, and thus prevent the table from tipping, The solenoid I03 may be located in the circuit which is either manually controlled or co'ntrolled by another flag located to be actuated by the piece after it has passed completely through the conveyors on our table.

Having thus described our invention, what we claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. In a catching and feeding device for rolling mills, a tilting table, a conveyor thereon, driving means for said table and said conveyor, an independent, piece measuring, movable element adapted to be moved by the driving means, piece actuated means for connecting and disconnecting said element from said driving means, and controlling means adapted to be actuated upon movement of said element.

2. In a catching and feeding device for rolling mills, a tilting table, a conveyor thereon, driving means for said table and said conveyor, an independent, piece measuring, movable element having a releasable connection with said driving means, piece-actuated means for controlling said releasable connection, said means being so arranged as to make sa d connection effective for a length of time proportioned to the length of said piece, and means for causing said element, at dpredetermined point in its path of travel, to inhibit the tilting of said table.

3. "In a catching and feeding device for rolling mlls, a tilting table, a conveyor thereon, driving means for said table and said conveyor, an independent, piece measuring, movable element having a releasable connection with said driving means, piece-actuated means for controlling said releasable connection, said means being so arranged as to make said connection efiective for a length of time proportioned to the length of said piece, adjustable stop means and controlling means for said driving means mounted on said element.

4. A catching and feeding device for rolling mills comprising a tilting table, a conveyor, driving means for said table and said conveyor, an independent, piece measuring movable element, moving means for said element, a magnetic clutch and a controller for said clutch located in the path of movement of a work piece to energize said clutch for a length of time dependent upon the length of said piece.

5. A feeding and catching device for rolling mills comprising a tilting table, a conveyor thereon, driving means for said conveyor and said table, a rack mounted for movement with respect to said table and having teeth, a gear engaging said teeth, and a magnetic clutch arranged operatively to connect said gear to said conveyor driving means, and piece-actuated means for controlling said magnetic clutch.

6. A feeding and catching device'for rolling mills comprising a tilting table, a conveyor thereon, driving means for said conveyor and said table, an element mounted for movement with respect to said table and having teeth, a gear engaging said teeth, and a magnetic clutch arranged operatively to connect said gear to said conveyor driving means, and piece-actuated means for controlling said magnetic clutch, a member fixedly mounted with respect to said table, an adjustable stop slidably mounted with respect to said member, and controlling means for tilting said table on said element adapted to be actuated by said stop in a selected position.

7. In a feeding and catching device for rolling mills, a tilting table, a conveyor thereon, driving means for said conveyor and said table, a cam switch mechanism arranged for movement with said table, piece-actuated controlling means located in the path of movement of a piece engaged by said conveyor, and a plurality of electric circuits, a ratchet switch, a circuit controlled by said cam arranged to operate said ratchet switch, and means for selecting a contact on said ratchet switch to inhibit the tilting of said table and to continue the motion of said conveyor.

8. In a feeding and catching device for rolling mills, a tilting table and a holding circuit therefor; a conveyor thereon, switches adapted to be actuated by the movements of said table, and a cycle determining switch mechanism operatively connected therewith and having a plurality of contacts, and selecting means whereby said holding circuit may be energized by said switch after the completion of a predetermined cycle, to inhibit the tilting of said table.

9. A feeding and catching device for rolling mills comprising a tilting table, a conveyor thereon, driving means for said conveyor and said table, an element mounted for movement with respect to said table and having teeth, a gear engaging said teeth, and a magnetic clutch arranged operatively to connect said gear to said conveyor riving means, and piece-actuated means for controlling said magnetic clutch, a member fixedly mounted with respect to said table, an adjustable stop 'slidably mounted with respect to said member, and controlling means on said element adapted to coact with said stop in a selected position, a ratchet switch, and means controlled by said ratchet switch for inhibiting the tilting action of said table and controlling the movement of said conveyor.

10. A feeding and catching device for rolling mills comprising a tilting table, a conveyor thereon, driving means for'said conveyor and said table, an element mounted for movement with respect to said table and having teeth, a gear engaging said teeth, and a magnetic clutch arranged operatively to connect said gear to said conveyor driving means, and piece-actuated means for controlling said magnetic clutch, a member fixedly mouhted with respect to said table, an adjustable stop slidably mounted with respect to said member, and controlling means on said element adapted to coact with said stop in a selected position, a ratchet switch, and means controlled by said ratchet switch for inhibiting the tilting action of said table and controlling the movement of said conveyor, and circuits permitting the selection of a particular contact on said ratchet switch for said inhibiting action.

11. In a feeding and catching device for rolling mills, a tilting table, a chain conveyor thereon, driving means for said conveyor and said tilting table, automatic-means for efiecting the tilting of said table and for driving said conveyor in the forward and reverse directions, adjustable length actuated means for inhibiting said automatic means, and means determined by a desired number of tiltings of said table for inhibiting said automatic means.

12. In a catching and feeding device for rolling mills, a tilting table, a conveyor thereon, driving means for said table and said conveyor, a side guide located upon one side of said conveyor, and movable pushing means on the other side of said conveyor to force material being rolled against said side guide, a solenoid for driving said pushing means, and means actuated by the tilting of said .table for energizing said solenoid.

13. In a catching and feeding device for rolling, mills, a tilting table, conveying means thereon, driving means for saidtable, guiding means located along one side of said conveyor, and movable means upon the other side of said conveyor for pushing material to be rolled against said guide by a motion substantially transverse to said conveyor, and an operative connection between said pushing means and said driving means whereby said pushing means is automatically actuated upon a tilting of said table, said pushing means comprising a solenoid actuating device,

and said operative connection comprising an electric circuit and controlling means therefor.

14. In a catching and feeding device for roll ing mills. a tilting table, conveying means thereon, driving means for said table, guiding means located along one side of said conveyor, and mov-' able means upon the other side of said conveyor for pushing material to be rolled against said guide by a motion substantially transverse to said conveyor, and an operative connection between said pushing means and said driving means whereby said pushing means is automatically actuated upon a tilting of said table, said pushing means comprising a solenoid actuating device, and said operative connection comprising an electric circuit and controlling means therefor, and means for adjusting theposition of said side guide.

' TERRENCE W. ALLSWORTH.

ERNEST G. SCHLUP; PAUL H. LONG. 

